PICTURED: Latest teen to lose his life to the knife as 13 and 14 year-old boys arrested for murder

A 14-YEAR-old boy became the latest teen casualty of Britain's knife crime epidemic after he was fatally stabbed in a street. Police were called at around 6.05pm on Friday, September 15 2023, to reports of a stabbing on Tavistock Square, Harpurhey, Manchester. Emergency services attended the scene, and the boy, who was named by police yesterday as Nathaniel Shani, was taken to hospital where he later died from his injuries. A boy of the same age and a 13-year-old were arrested on suspicion of murder and remained in police custody for questioning last night.

Nathaniel’s family said in a statement: “Nathaniel was a best friend to many, he never failed to make people laugh. Nathaniel was very kind, caring and always thinking of others.

“He was polite and the most loving person. He would always put other people first without a thought. He was an amazing brother and son to his parents and siblings. “Our hearts are left broken. Rest in Paradise to the most kindest soul.”

Tributes have also been made on social media websites with many people questioning "why are kids killing kids?" Others called for tougher knife crime laws with a 10-year minimum sentence for possession of a knife. One woman posted on Facebook that his birthday was nine days away. She wrote: "Known you from three years old until yesterday and I can’t process what just happened - gone too soon." One person said on Facebook: "My poor sister lives facing this and watched the poor lad receive CPR. "That poor police officer working his best to get him round and my poor sister watching him press into his chest was awful." The creator of a gofundme page said: "I've set up this for one of my daughter's best friends who sadly had his life taken today at the young age of 14. He was a young bright kind and caring boy who was camera shy hence the photo. This has left so many people heart broken and I'm just trying to help his family at this hard time." Flowers and tributes were left at the scene, off Tavistock Square, yesterday. Harpurhey Neighbourhood Project said in a statement: "We are in mourning after hearing of the tragic death of a 14 year old boy yesterday evening. We offer our condolences to the family and friends, and our support in whatever way we can. "The team is thinking and talking about ways in which we can support the young people immediately to process their grief and anger at this understandably emotional time." Some posters suggested trouble had been brewing in the area for a long time. Jo Briggs Edwards said on Facebook: "There’s been gangs in this vicinity for a long time and the police don’t seem to be interested. I feel intimidated in the area, particularly around the shopping precinct near Lidl. There can be up to as many as 40 plus teens hanging around. In my opinion it was a matter of time and something needs to be done." Another posted: "There's always something that happens and police (are) there every week it's horrible." Detective Superintendent Phil Key said: “Firstly I would like to share my deepest condolences with the family at this unbelievably difficult time. “Our Family Liaison Officers are currently working with them and we will continue to support the family throughout this extremely troubling period." A forensic tent was put up around the area where it happened and forensics officers could be seen combing the area of the attack yesterday. Due to fears of further violence, following the incident, police put in place for 24 hours a Section 60 authority which allowed greater use of stop and search powers in a designated area. Mr Key added: "We took this course of action to keep the public who live and work within the vicinity of the incident safe."